Category: Issue 294
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Three Studies Examine Impact of Location on Dietary Choices, Stroke Risk
Two recent studies have reportedly examined the impact of location on the accessibility and quality of healthy food. Manuel Franco, et al., “Availability of Health Foods and Dietary Patterns: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2009. Manuel Franco, et al., “Neighborhood Characteristics and Availability of Healthy Foods in Baltimore,” American…
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Researchers Hypothesize Refined Food Addiction
Relying on the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence and other substance use disorders, researchers have hypothesized that the over-consumption of refined foods can be described as an addiction that “could account for the global epidemic of obesity and other metabolic disorders.” J.R. Ifland, et al., “Refined Food Addiction: A Classic Substance Use Disorder,” Medical Hypotheses…
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New Study Challenges FDA Draft Assessment of Mercury in Fish
A new study from the Connecticut Department of Health has challenged a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft assessment weighing the benefits of fish consumption against the risks associated with mercury exposure. Gary L. Ginsberg and Brian F. Toal, “Quantitative Approach for Incorporating Methylmercury Risks and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits in Developing Species-Specific Fish…
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Elizabeth Nord, “Top 10 Reasons for Using Nanotech in Food,” Discovery.com, February 20, 2009
This article explores recent nanotechnology innovations designed to “extend food shelf life, add health benefits, impact flavor or even signal bacteria contamination,” likening current public concern to the mishandled controversy over genetically modified crops. According to the article, “the top ten reasons why we should continue the conversation about using nanotechnology in food” include cutting-edge…
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Sheep Belching Researched to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Wall Street Journal reports that scientists in New Zealand are studying ways to keep sheep and other ruminants from belching methane when they eat and regurgitate grass. Methane is apparently a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, and researchers currently believe that livestock is more responsible for greenhouse gas emissions than cars. Among the approaches…
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Pelman v. McDonald’s Corp.: Motions to Compel Dismissed with Leave to Renew
The district court judge to whom this obesity-related litigation was reassigned in 2008 has dismissed motions to compel filed by plaintiffs and defendants, but has given the parties leave to renew after the court rules on motions for class certification. Pelman v. McDonald’s Corp., No. 02-7821 (S.D.N.Y., filed Sept. 30, 2002). Judge Robert Sweet recused himself…
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ConAgra Seeks Insurance Coverage for 2007 Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak
ConAgra Foods, Inc. has reportedly filed a lawsuit against its umbrella insurer, seeking coverage for the claims that were filed by people who alleged injury from a Salmonella outbreak in 2007 linked to the company’s Sylvester, Georgia, peanut butter processing facility. ConAgra Foods, Inc. v. Lexington Ins. Co., No. 09C-02-170 (Del. Super Ct., New Castle…
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Aurora Dairy Seeks Insurance Coverage for Consumer Class Actions
Aurora Dairy Corp., which is defending multidistrict litigation involving putative class claims that it sold its products as “organic” without following national organic program standards, has sued one of its insurance carriers in federal court seeking a declaration that the insurer has wrongly failed to provide defense coverage. Aurora Dairy Corp. v. Nationwide Agribusiness Ins. Co.,…